University Secretary and Chief Operating Officer

A Global University with London Energy.

The University of Westminster has a long and distinctive history. Founded over 180 years ago as London’s first polytechnic institution, it has become known for the many ways in which it helps students to realise their full potential, regardless of background. 

Westminster’s founding values are to be inclusive, progressive and compassionate, with a spirit that reflects the University’s global reach and location at the heart of a world city which is home to diverse communities. Our teaching is practical, relevant, and contemporary. Providing grounded, holistic education with wide horizons and opportunities, we develop graduates who will help fuel growth and prosperity, and who become responsible citizens of the world.   

We are now seeking a University Secretary and Chief Operating Officer to help shape and grow the University, working as a key member of University Executive Board and supporting and advising the Vice Chancellor and President every day on the development and management of the University.

You will join us at an exciting time as we seek to embed our Being Westminster Strategy 2022-2029, with key areas of ambition including the wellbeing of our people being at the forefront of everything we do, enhancing and expanding our digital and physical environment, securing our reputation as a diverse, inclusive global community, and continuing to have financial sustainability underpinning all that we achieve. 

The University Secretary and Chief Operating Officer will lead professional services at the University.  As a key member of University Executive Board, you will play a critical role in the future success of the University, shaping the strategic direction and operational delivery of professional services and ensuring the range of specialist functions under your leadership are aligned to the long and short-term strategic direction of the University, in alignment with Being Westminster. 

An experienced senior leader, you will have a demonstrable track record of success in a similarly complex environment. You will have thorough expertise in operational change management and achieving financial balance, and a compelling track record in driving cultural change, whilst helping to foster a collaborative, supportive and ambitious working environment in line with our values.

The University of Westminster will be supported in this appointment by executive search firm, Perrett Laver. For further details, including the job description, person specification and information on how to apply, please visit: https://candidates.perrettlaver.com/vacancies/ quoting references 6878

If you would like to discuss this opportunity further or have any questions about the role, please contact Emma Cowan at Emma.Cowan@perrettlaver.com or please call +44 (0)20 7340 6289. 

The University of Westminster is actively committed to the principles of equality and inclusion and is working hard to increase the diversity of its workforce. We welcome applications from all sections of the community, particularly women, Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic candidates, LGBTQ+ and disabled people.

At the University of Westminster, diversity, inclusion and equality of opportunity are at the core of how we engage with students, colleagues, applicants, visitors and all our stakeholders. 

We are fully committed to enabling a supportive and safe learning and working environment which is equitable, diverse and inclusive, is based on mutual respect and trust, and in which harassment and discrimination are neither tolerated nor acceptable.

The University has adopted Smart Working principles to support and further our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion aims of being an inclusive, collaborative and flexible employer. Further details of Smart Working can be discussed at interview stage.